From concept to product launch and beyond, we are scientific consultants with the expertise to put your product safely in the hands of consumers.

ABOUT US

Focal Point Research is a North American consulting company which has a unique ability to assist in many aspects of launching and improving regulated products. From early concept to regulatory approvals, product and packaging development, manufacturing and quality assurance, we provide comprehensive insight not typically found in a single firm.

Our expertise covers cosmetics, drugs, medical devices and natural health products. We work with small, medium and large corporations, as well as with industry associations and governments. Every project and every client is treated uniquely, and we provide the assurance of confidentiality in all of our work. With our scientific, regulatory, and quality expertise, we assist our clients using a holistic approach from new product development right through to market introduction.

At Focal Point Research we earn the confidence of our clients by providing excellent and timely service to ensure their success. Our clients benefit from our expertise without the need to add headcount or overhead. In addition to our knowledgeable staff, we have affiliates globally who bring additional expertise on specialized projects. Located in the beautiful lakefront community of Port Credit, Focal Point Research is close to downtown Toronto and the Toronto airports, helping us reach our clients faster. Services we offer include:

Assess new products for regulatory compliance

Prepare submissions to U.S. FDA and Health Canada

Evaluate product-label compliance

Conduct manufacturing audits

Manage issues and crisis including product recall and challenges from competitors or media

Evaluate product/package compatibility

Commission analytical chemistry and stability studies

Design and commission Clinical Trial

Training in all areas of our expertise

Looking for a service not on this list? Please call or email us to discuss our full range of services and how we can be of assistance.

The Focal Point Research team of consultants is ready to help with your issues and concerns. Our friendly staff include scientists from various disciplines, regulatory and packaging experts and administrative support. We are eager to help you.

HISTORY

Founded in 1990 by Janet Ross-Fichtner, Focal Point Research began as a home based business in a small basement office built by her husband. Janet was an expert in food and sensory evaluation, and her consulting practice focused on the Canadian food industry. Janet’s husband Rob Ross-Fichtner joined the business in 1999 and added practice areas in Cosmetics, Drugs and Consumer Products. Focal Point Research has since grown to include a diverse group of scientific and regulatory experts from a variety of backgrounds. Following Janet’s passing in 2011, Focal Point Research continues to honour her values of hard work and commitment; excellence in everything we do; and honesty, integrity and leadership with our clients, colleagues and community. The Janet Ross-Fichtner Scholarship has been created in memory of Janet at the University of Guelph, where she was a proud graduate.

I HAVE TRULY ENJOYED WORKING WITH YOU OVER THE LAST 8 YEARS! YOU AND YOUR TEAM HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING RESOURCE FOR ME. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONALISM OF EVERYONE AT FOCAL POINT, WHICH IS A TRUE TESTAMENT TO YOUR LEADERSHIP.

CLIENT, MULTINATIONAL COSMETIC AND DRUG MANUFACTURER

SERVICES

From early concept to regulatory approvals, product and packaging development, manufacturing and quality assurance, Focal Point Research provides comprehensive insight not typically found in a single firm.

Focal Point Research has consistently and professionally looked after regulatory and quality issues of our brand for years. Through a courteous and knowledgeable team, they have managed to navigate us through an ever changing regulatory landscape while maintaining our interests, and allowed us to correctly distribute and sell within Canada.

Client Importer of cosmetics, drugs and Natural Health Products.

I have truly enjoyed working with you over the last 8 years! You and your team have been an amazing resource for me. I have always been impressed by the knowledge and professionalism of everyone at Focal Point, which is a true testament to your leadership.

CLIENT MULTINATIONAL COSMETIC AND DRUG MANUFACTURER

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Rob Fichtner

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Since joining FPR in 1999, Rob has led the Regulatory and Scientific practice. His experience covers Cosmetics, OTC Drugs, Medical Devices and Natural Health Products (Dietary Supplements). Rob has completed hundreds of regulatory submissions for product registration and approval. He has served as a consultant to government agencies and as an expert witness in legal proceedings. He also has extensive experience with registering warehouse and production facilities, and is involved with QA and new product start-ups. He also has many years of experience in R&D, including formulation, stability testing, analytical chemistry and product scale-up and manufacturing. Rob has served as the science columnist for Canada’s Cosmetics Magazine and is a contributor to U.S. publication Cosmetics & Toiletries.

Prior to joining Focal Point, Rob spent almost 20 years in Management positions at Procter & Gamble in both Canada and the US. He was involved with all aspects of P&G’s new product program, including Formulation, Process Engineering, Packaging, and Regulatory and Government Affairs. Rob is a member of the Government Relations Committee of Cosmetics Alliance Canada the Technical/Regulatory Committee of the Independent Cosmetics Manufactures and Distributors (ICMAD), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC). In 2016, Rob developed the Regulatory Affairs course for Toronto’s Seneca College graduate certificate in Cosmetic Science and served as a professor in the program. Rob completed B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in organic chemistry from McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario. Rob is an avid sailor and guitar player.

Jennifer Porter

GENERAL MANAGER

Jennifer joined the FPR team in 2011. She manages the operations and financial aspects at FPR. This includes developing quotations, commercial agreements, detailed project analysis, and project management.

Prior to relocating to Canada from California, Jennifer has over 10 years of Office Management. Jennifer obtained an MBA from University of Redlands located in Southern California and a B.A. in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University. Jennifer enjoys golfing, live music, and traveling.

At Focal Point Research we pride ourselves on our core values including:

Commitment

100

Excellence

100

Honesty & Integrity

100

Leadership

100

25 Year Reputation

Our clients benefit from our expertise without the need to add headcount or overhead.

In addition to our knowledgeable staff, we have affiliates globally who bring additional expertise on specialized projects.

CONTACT

The Focal Point Research team of consultants is ready to help with your scientific & regulatory needs. Our friendly staff include scientists from various disciplines, regulatory and packaging experts and administrative support. We are eager to help you.

We provide our expertise to various businesses located throughout Canada and the United States, such as Toronto, Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, and many more.